A load retaining gate assembly is provided to restrain the movement of items stored in the bed of a vehicle. The load retaining gate assembly is made of two gate members arranged in sliding relationship and has at least one compression spring-loaded assembly. One gate member slides into another gate member. A compression spring is held in place within the gate members for biasing the length of the gate assembly against side walls of a vehicle bed. The gate assembly is held in place by the pressure put by the spring against the side walls of the vehicle bed. The gate assembly can be positioned anywhere across the width of the vehicle bed and can be easily removed from its position when not needed and locked in a compressed state.

A load retaining gate assembly is provided to restrain the movement of items stored in the bed of a vehicle. The load retaining gate assembly is made of two gate members arranged in sliding relationship and has at least one compression spring-loaded assembly. One gate member slides into another gate member. A compression spring is held in place within the gate members for biasing the length of the gate assembly against side walls of a vehicle bed. The gate assembly is held in place by the pressure put by the spring against the side walls of the vehicle bed. The gate assembly can be positioned anywhere across the width of the vehicle bed and can be easily removed from its position when not needed and locked in a compressed state.

A bed extender is provided for a bed of a truck. That bed extender includes a reel mounted to a first sidewall of the bed, a line received on that reel, and a fastener carried on a distal end of the line. An anchor is carried on a second sidewall of the bed. In addition, the bed extender includes a support arm including a receiver that engages the line when the line is extended from the reel and fastened to the anchor. The support arm is mounted to the tailgate of the truck.

The present invention relates to a drive device, comprising a cable which is connected at one end to a cable pulley, an actuator for driving the cable pulley, and a torsion bar which generates a torsional moment, wherein the torsion bar is supported on a higher-level assembly in such a way that it can move between a first and a second state of the torsion bar, wherein the torsion bar applies a torque in a first direction over a first partial movement range, applies a torque in a second direction opposite to the first direction over a second partial movement range, and does not apply torque over a third partial movement range. The present invention also relates to a superordinate hatch arrangement.

The present invention relates to a drive device, comprising a cable which is connected at one end to a cable pulley, an actuator for driving the cable pulley, and a torsion bar which generates a torsional moment, wherein the torsion bar is supported on a higher-level assembly in such a way that it can move between a first and a second state of the torsion bar, wherein the torsion bar applies a torque in a first direction over a first partial movement range, applies a torque in a second direction opposite to the first direction over a second partial movement range, and does not apply torque over a third partial movement range. The present invention also relates to a superordinate hatch arrangement.

A retractable tailgate table provides a folding table structure that is operable from the tailgate of a vehicle, so as to expand the functionality of the vehicle by providing a supportive and adjustable table that can be retracted for stowage or folded out from the tailgate for operational usage from the tailgate. The table comprises a mounting plate that fixedly mounts to the tailgate. The mounting plate may include a channel that enables a strap to wrap around the tailgate and through the channel for detachable attachment. A hinged arm hingedly articulates from the tailgate to move the table between a stowed position and an operational position. A platform pivotally joins the hinged arm, providing a supportive surface therefrom. The platform pivots to a desired slope and slides to and from the tailgate. A stabilizer bar extends from the platform to the ground surface to provide vertical and lateral stability.

A retractable tailgate table provides a folding table structure that is operable from the tailgate of a vehicle, so as to expand the functionality of the vehicle by providing a supportive and adjustable table that can be retracted for stowage or folded out from the tailgate for operational usage from the tailgate. The table comprises a mounting plate that fixedly mounts to the tailgate. The mounting plate may include a channel that enables a strap to wrap around the tailgate and through the channel for detachable attachment. A hinged arm hingedly articulates from the tailgate to move the table between a stowed position and an operational position. A platform pivotally joins the hinged arm, providing a supportive surface therefrom. The platform pivots to a desired slope and slides to and from the tailgate. A stabilizer bar extends from the platform to the ground surface to provide vertical and lateral stability.

A vehicle tailgate includes an upper panel, lower panel, internal panel, external panel and brace. The upper and lower panels are spaced apart relative to each other. The internal and external panels are each secured to the upper and lower panels. A cavity is defined between the upper, lower, internal, and external panels. The brace is disposed within the cavity. The brace includes first and second flanges extending outward from a central plate. The first and second flanges are secured to the internal panel while the central plate is secured to the external panel.

A vehicle tailgate includes a frame, pair of hinges, inner tailgate panel, and outer tailgate panel. The frame has a first outer side-member and a second outer side-member. Each of the outer side-members is secured to ends of a lower outer cross-member. The outer side-members each have an internal surface and an external surface. The internal surfaces define T-slots. One of the pair of hinges is secured to each external surface of the outer side-members. The inner and outer tailgate panels are secured to opposing outer sides of the frame such that the external surfaces of the outer side-members remain exposed.

An articulating step includes a support member having a first end and a second end. A step member is pivotally connected relative to the support member. A first linkage member includes a first end portion pivotally connected to the support member, a second end portion operatively connected to the step member, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A first selectively adjustable cam member is operatively connected to the support member. The first selectively adjustable cam member is configured and disposed to selectively engage with the first linkage member to establish a desired spacing between the step member and the second end of the support member.